DAVID TABOR GRASSLEY

BRISTOL — On Thursday June 27, 2024, my dad, Dave, Papa, Unc, took his last breath at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester surrounded by people he loved so dearly after a long battle with congestive heart disease.

He leaves behind a daughter, Whitney Paul; son-in-law, Matthew and their kids Quintin, Kenzie and Charlee, who only knew him as their Papa, one of the greatest people in the world; a son, Chris, and daughter-in-law, Gail (Burkholder) Grassley and their son, Ramsay, who Papa called “Little Bear;” and his nephew, Rob Grassley of the Northeast Kingdom and his family. He also had a tremendous amount of love for his lifelong friend and mother of his children, Maureen Grassley, dear friends and car-riding buddies George and Jennifer Brownell, and his best pal from New York, Vinny Pagano.

Dave lived in many towns throughout Vermont and raised his children with Maureen in Colchester. He loved covered bridges, everything fall, pumpkins and Halloween, James Taylor music, decorating, car rides, and tasty (diner or home cooked) style food. He thoroughly enjoyed talking to people in his community and learning more about them.

My dad was a simple man and cared so deeply about the ones that he loved. He lived for the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and was truly our biggest cheerleader. He treated each day as a gift and treasured his time every single day being a Papa.

There are many “Papa-isms,” “Dave-isms” and words of wisdom that will be remembered as we go forward without him by our sides.

He will be missed more than words can describe, but we will continue going on every day feeling the love that we received in making him proud.

Thank you to all who visited, showed love, sent messages, flowers, or brought food by during my dad’s time in hospice. He was surrounded by love in his final moments, and we are surrounded by so much support and for that I am so grateful. ◊